Wisconsin Electric engages in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in an area of about 12,000 square miles in southeastern Wisconsin, the east central and northern portions of Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The total area's estimated population is about 2.3 million, which includes metropolitan Milwaukee. The company also purchases or transports, natural gas to Wisconsin through pipeline companies and distributes and sells it in a territory of about 3,800 square miles in the area west and southwest of Milwaukee, an area along the Michigan border, the Appleton area, and the Prairie du Chien area. Wisconsin Electric also provides steam service for heating and manufacturing processes to about 500 customers in the Milwaukee area.